Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A.

Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Other Collapse Mechanisms

For the collapse mechanism looked at previously, it seemed obvious that the
plastic hinge in the span should be beneath the load. But why? Using virtual work,
we can examine any possible collapse mechanism. So, let’s consider the
following collapse mechanism and see why the plastic hinge has to be located
beneath the load.

Plastic Hinge at Point D (between A and C):

Imposing a unit virtual deflection at B, we get the following collapse mechanism:

P 0.5 L
A D C B
𝜃 𝛼
𝛽 ∆

𝜃+𝛼
x L-x

0 < 𝑥 < 0.5𝐿

𝛽
𝜃= ⇒ 𝛽 = 𝑥𝜃
𝑥
∆ 𝛽 0.5 𝐿. 𝑥. 𝜃
= ⇒ ∆=
0.5 𝐿 𝐿 − 𝑥 𝐿−𝑥
𝛽 𝑥𝜃
𝛼= ⇒𝛼=
𝐿−𝑥 𝐿−𝑥
And so, the virtual work equation becomes:

𝑊𝑒𝑥 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛

(𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + ⏟
𝑃(∆) = ⏟ (𝑀𝑃 )(𝛼 + 𝜃)
𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑎𝑡 𝐷

0.5 𝐿. 𝑥. 𝜃 𝜃𝑥
𝑃( ) = (𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + (𝑀𝑃 ) ( + 𝜃)
𝐿−𝑥 𝐿−𝑥

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

0.5 𝐿. 𝑥. 𝜃 2𝜃(𝐿 − 𝑥) + 𝑥𝜃
𝑃( ) = 𝑀𝑃 ( )
𝐿−𝑥 𝐿−𝑥

2𝐿 − 𝑥
𝑃 = 2𝑀𝑃 ( )
𝑥𝐿
𝑀𝑃 = 9 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 1 𝑚
2−𝑥
𝑃 = 18 ( ) (1)
𝑥
𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 0 (𝑎𝑡 𝐴) ⇒ 𝑃 = ∞

𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 0.5 𝐿 (𝑎𝑡 𝐶) ⇒ 𝑃 = 54 𝑘𝑁

And so, we see that the collapse load for this mechanism depends on the position
of the plastic hinge in the span.

Plastic Hinge between C and B:

Again imposing a unit virtual deflection at B we get:

P 0.5 L
A C D B
𝜃 𝛼
∆ 𝛽

𝜃+𝛼
x L-x

0.5 𝐿 < 𝑥 < 𝐿

𝛽
𝜃= ⇒ 𝛽 = 𝑥𝜃
𝑥
∆ 𝛽 0.5 𝐿. 𝑥. 𝜃
= ⇒ ∆=
0.5 𝐿 𝑥 𝑥

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

𝛽 𝑥𝜃
𝛼= ⇒𝛼=
𝐿−𝑥 𝐿−𝑥
And so the virtual work equation becomes:

𝑊𝑒𝑥 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛

(𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + ⏟
𝑃(∆) = ⏟ (𝑀𝑃 )(𝛼 + 𝜃)
𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑎𝑡 𝐷

0.5 𝐿. 𝑥. 𝜃 𝜃𝑥
𝑃( ) = (𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + (𝑀𝑃 ) ( + 𝜃)
𝑥 𝐿−𝑥
2𝜃𝐿 − 𝑥𝜃
𝑃(0.5 𝐿. 𝜃) = 𝑀𝑃 ( )
𝐿−𝑥
2𝑀𝑃 2𝐿 − 𝑥
𝑃= ( )
𝐿 𝐿−𝑥
𝑀𝑃 = 9 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 1 𝑚
2−𝑥
𝑃 = 18 ( ) (2)
1−𝑥
𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 0.5 𝐿 (𝑎𝑡 𝐶) ⇒ 𝑃 = 54 𝑘𝑁

𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 𝐿 (𝑎𝑡 𝐵) ⇒ 𝑃 = ∞

And again, we see that the load depends on the position of the hinge.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Types of Plastic Collapse

Complete Collapse

In the cases considered so far, collapse occurred when a hinge occurred for each
of the number of redundants, 𝑟, (making it a determinate structure) with an extra
hinge for collapse. Thus, the number of hinges formed, (ℎ = 𝑟 + 1) (the degree
of indeterminacy plus one).

Partial Collapse

This occurs when (ℎ < 𝑟 + 1), but a collapse mechanism, of a localized section
of the structure can form. A common example is a single span of a continuous
beam.

Over-Complete Collapse

For some frames, two (or more) possible collapse mechanisms are found (ℎ =
𝑟 + 1), with the actual collapse load factor. Therefore, they can be combined to
form another collapse mechanism with the same collapse load factor, but with an
increased number of hinges, (ℎ > 𝑟 + 1),.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Theorems of Plastic Analysis

Criteria

In Plastic Analysis to identify the correct load factor, there are three criteria of
importance:

1. Equilibrium: the internal bending moments must be in equilibrium with

the external loading.
2. Mechanism: at collapse the structure, or a part of, can deform as a
mechanism.
3. Yield: no point in the structure can have a moment greater than the plastic
moment capacity of the section it is applied to.
Based on these criteria, we have the following theorems.

The Upper bound (Unsafe) Theorem

This can be stated as:

If a bending moment diagram is found which satisfies the conditions of equilibrium

and mechanism (but not necessarily yield), then the corresponding load factor is
either greater than or equal to the true load factor at collapse.

This is called the unsafe theorem because for an arbitrarily assumed mechanism
the load factor is either exactly right (when the yield criterion is met) or is wrong
and is too large, leading a designer to think that the frame can carry more load
than is actually possible.

Think of it like this: unless it’s exactly right, it’s dangerous.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Since a plastic analysis will generally meet the equilibrium and mechanism
criteria, by this theorem a plastic analysis is either right or dangerous. This is why
plastic analyses are not used as often in practice as one might suppose.

The above theorem can be easily seen to apply to the Illustrative Example. When
we varied the position of the hinge we found a collapse load factor that was either
correct (λ = λC=1.6875 ) or was too big (λ > λC ).

The Lower bound (Safe) Theorem

This can be stated as:

If a bending moment diagram is found which satisfies the conditions of

equilibrium and yield (but not necessarily that of mechanism), then the
corresponding load factor is either less than or equal to the true load
factor at collapse.

This is a safe theorem because the load factor will be less than (or at best equal
to) the collapse load factor once equilibrium and yield criteria are met leading the
designer to think that the structure can carry less than or equal to its actual
capacity.

Think of it like this: it’s either wrong and safe or right and safe.

Since an elastic analysis will always meet equilibrium and yield conditions, an
elastic analysis will always be safe. This is the main reason that it is elastic
analysis that is used, in spite of the significant extra capacity that plastic analysis
offers.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

The Uniqueness Theorem

Linking the upper- and lower-bound theorems, we have:

If a bending moment distribution can be found which satisfies the three

conditions of equilibrium, mechanism, and yield, then the corresponding load
factor is the true load factor at collapse.

So to have identified the correct load factor (and hence collapse mechanism) for
a structure we need to meet all three of the criteria:

1- Equilibrium;
2- Mechanism;
3- Yield.
The permutations of the three criteria and the three theorems are summarized in
the following table:

The Uniqueness Theorem does not claim that any particular collapse mechanism
is unique – only that the collapse load factor is unique. Although rare, it is
possible for more than one collapse mechanism to satisfy the Uniqueness
Theorem, but they will have the same load factor .

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Corollaries of the Theorems

Some other results immediately apparent from the theorems are the following:

1- If the collapse loads are determined for all possible mechanisms, then the
actual collapse load will be the lowest of these (Upper bound Theorem);
2- The collapse load of a structure cannot be decreased by increasing the
strength of any part of it (Lower bound Theorem);
3- The collapse load of a structure cannot be increased by decreasing the
strength of any part of it (Upper bound Theorem);
4- The collapse load is independent of initial stresses and the order in which
the plastic hinges form (Uniqueness Theorem);

The first point above is the basis for using virtual work in plastic analysis.
However, in doing so, it is essential that the designer considers the actual collapse
more. To not do so would lead to an unsafe design by the Upper bound Theorem.

Application of the Theorems

Illustrative Example – Continued

Plastic Hinge Under the Load

We discovered previously that the collapse load factor was 1.6875 and this
occurred when the hinge was under the point load. Therefore, this collapse
mechanism should meet all three criteria of the Uniqueness Theorem:

1- Equilibrium: check on the moment at C say:

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

54 kN
A
9 kN.m B
𝐿 C 𝐿
2 2

Rb

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 (1) − 54 ∗ 0.5 + 9 = 0 → 𝑅𝐵 = 18 𝑘𝑁
𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑅𝐵 ∗ 0.5 = 9 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝑀𝑃

Thus, the equilibrium condition is met.

2- Mechanism: Given the number of hinges it is obvious the structure

collapses:
54 kN
A
B

𝑅 − 𝐶 − 3 = 4 − 2 − 3 = −1
𝑜𝑟 ℎ = 𝑟 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2

3- Yield: Check that there is no moment greater than MP =9 kNm:

𝑀𝑃 = 9

+
−
B. M. D.
𝑀𝑃 = 9

And so, the yield criterion is met.

Since all three conditions are met, we are assured that have the actual collapse
load factor by the Uniqueness Theorem.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Other Collapse Modes

Using the analyses carried out previously for different positions of the plastic
hinge, we can check these collapse modes against the Uniqueness Theorem. For
the case of the hinge between A and C:

54 0.5 L

A D C B

x L-x

𝑀𝐶 𝑀𝑃

𝑀𝑃
+
−
B. M. D.
𝑀𝑃

To determine this BMD, we calculate the reaction VB by considering the free body
diagram BCD:

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐷 = 𝑀𝑃 = 𝑅𝐵 ∗ (𝐿 − 𝑥) − 54(𝐿 − 𝑥 − 0.5𝐿)

𝑀𝑃 + 54 (0.5 𝐿 − 𝑥)
∴ 𝑅𝐵 = ,𝐿 = 1 𝑚
𝐿−𝑥

𝑀𝑃 + 54 (0.5 − 𝑥)
∴ 𝑅𝐵 = ,𝐿 = 1 𝑚
1−𝑥

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑀𝐶 = 𝑅𝐵 ∗ 0.5

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

𝑀𝑃 + 54 (0.5 − 𝑥)
𝑀𝐶 = ,
2(1 − 𝑥)

And so because 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0.5 𝐿, 𝑀𝐶 𝑀𝑃 as shown in the BMD. Only when

𝑥 = 0.5 𝑚, 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝑃 which is of course the correct solution.

For the case of the hinge being between C and B, we have:

54 0.5 L

A C D B

x L-x

𝑀𝐶 𝑀𝑃
𝑀𝑃

+
−
B. M. D.
𝑀𝑃

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐷 = 𝑀𝑃 = 𝑅𝐵 ∗ (𝐿 − 𝑥)

𝑀𝑃
∴ 𝑅𝐵 = ,𝐿 = 1 𝑚
𝐿−𝑥

𝑀𝑃
𝑅𝐵 =
1−𝑥

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑀𝐶 = 𝑅𝐵 ∗ 0.5

𝑀𝑃
𝑀𝐶 =
2(1 − 𝑥)

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

And so because 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0.5 𝐿, 𝑀𝐶 𝑀𝑃 as shown in the BMD. Only when

𝑥 = 0.5 𝑚, 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑀𝐶 = 𝑀𝑃 which is of course the correct solution.

Summary
We have seen that for any position of the plastic hinge, other than at exactly C,
the yield condition is not met. Therefore, in such cases, the Uniqueness Theorem
tells us that the solution is not the correct one.

Notice that in these examples the mechanism and equilibrium conditions are
always met. Therefore, the Upper bound Theorem tells us that our solutions in
such cases are either correct (as in when 𝑥 = 0.5 𝑚) or are unsafe.

In cases where one of the conditions of the Uniqueness Theorem is not met, we
assume a different collapse mechanism and try again

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Plastic Design

Load Factor and Plastic Moment Capacity

When we come to design a structure using plastic methods, it is the load factor
that is known in advance and it is the plastic moment capacity that is the objective.
The general virtual work equations for a proposed collapse mechanism i is

In which j is an individual load and deflection or plastic moment and rotation pair
of collapse mechanism i.

two cases:

1- Load Factor Required – Design Plastic Moment Capacity Known:

2- Design Load Factor Known – Plastic Moment Capacity Required:

In summary, if:

• Design plastic moment capacity is known – design for lowest load factor;
• Design load factor is known – design for highest plastic moment capacity.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Plastic Analysis of Beams

5.1 Example 1 – Fixed-Fixed Beam with Point Load

For the following beam, find the load at collapse, given that M P = 60 kNm :

P
A
B
C
𝑚 2𝑚

To start the problem, we examine the usual elastic BMD to see where the plastic
hinges are likely to form:

𝑀𝑃

+
− −
B. M. D.
𝑀𝑃 𝑀𝑃

We also need to know how many hinges are required. This structure is 3˚
statically indeterminate and so we might expect the number of plastic hinges
required to be 4. However, since one of the indeterminacies is horizontal restraint,
removing it would not change the bending behavior of the beam. Thus for a
bending collapse only 2 indeterminacies apply and so it will only take 3 plastic
hinges to cause collapse.

So looking at the elastic BMD, we’ll assume a collapse mechanism with the 3
plastic hinges at the peak moment locations: A, B, and C.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Next, we impose a virtual rotation of θ to the plastic hinge at A and using the S
=Rθ rule, relate all other displacements to it, and then apply the virtual work
equation:

P
A C
B
𝜃 𝛼
∆

𝜃+𝛼
6m 2m

∆
𝜃= ⇒ ∆= 𝜃

∆
𝛼= ⇒ 𝛼 = 3𝜃
2
And so, the virtual work equation becomes:

𝑊𝑒𝑥 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛

𝑃(∆) = (𝑀
⏟ 𝑃 )(𝜃) + (𝑀
⏟ 𝑃 )(𝛼 + 𝜃) + (𝑀
⏟ 𝑃 )(𝛼)
𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 𝑎𝑡 𝐵

𝑃( 𝜃) = (𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + (𝑀𝑃 )(3𝜃 + 𝜃) + (𝑀𝑃 )(3𝜃)

𝑃( 𝜃) = 𝑀𝑃 (8𝜃)
8 𝑀𝑃
𝑃=

𝑀𝑃 = 0 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

𝑃 = 80 𝑘𝑁

So, the collapse BMD for this mechanism is:

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

0 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

+
− −
B. M. D.
0 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 0 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

We need to check that this is the correct solution using the Uniqueness Theorem:

1- Equilibrium:

P
60 kN.m 60 kN.m
A
C
𝑚 2𝑚
𝑅𝐴 𝑅𝐵

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 (8) − 𝑃( ) + 0 − 0 = 0, 𝑃 = 80 𝑘𝑁
⇒ 𝑅𝐵 = 0 𝑘𝑁
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐴 = 20 𝑘𝑁

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑅𝐵 (2) − 0 = 120 − 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝑀𝑃

𝑜𝑟 𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑅𝐴 ( ) − 0 = 120 − 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝑀𝑃

2- Mechanism:
From the proposed collapse mechanism it is apparent that the beam is a
mechanism
3- Yield: From the collapse BMD it can be seen that nowhere is 𝑀𝑃 exceeded.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

Thus, the solution meets the three conditions and so, by the Uniqueness Theorem,
is the correct solution.

Example 2 – Propped Cantilever with Two Point Loads

For the following beam, for a load factor of 2.0, find the required plastic moment
capacity:

75 kN 30 kN
A
B
C D
2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚

Allowing for the load factor, we need to design the beam for the following loads:

150 kN 60 kN
A
B
C D
2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚

Once again we try to picture possible failure mechanisms. Since maximum

moments occur underneath point loads, there are two real possibilities:

150 kN 60 kN 150 kN 60 kN
A A
B B
C D C D

Mechanism 1: Plastic Hinge at C Mechanism 2: Plastic Hinge at D

Therefore, we analyze both and apply the Upper bound Theorem to find the
design plastic moment capacity.

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

150 60
A C D B
𝜃 𝛽 𝛼
∆

𝜃+𝛼

2m 2m 2m

∆
𝜃= ⇒ ∆= 2𝜃
2
∆ 2𝜃 𝜃
𝛼= = ⇒𝛼=
4 4 2
𝛽
𝛼= ⇒ 𝛽 = 2𝛼 = 𝜃
2
And so, the virtual work equation becomes:

𝑊𝑒𝑥 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛

(𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + ⏟
150(∆) + 0(𝛽) = ⏟ (𝑀𝑃 )(𝛼 + 𝜃)
𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑎𝑡 𝐶

𝜃
150(2𝜃) + 0(𝜃) = (𝑀𝑃 ) (𝜃 + 𝜃 + )
2
3 0 𝜃 = 2.5 𝜃𝑀𝑃
3 0
𝑀𝑃 = = 144 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
2.5
Mechanism 2:

150 60
A D
C B
𝜃 𝛼
∆
𝛽

𝜃+𝛼

2m 2m 2m

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 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

∆
𝜃= ⇒ ∆= 2𝜃
2
𝛽
𝜃= ⇒ 𝛽 = 4𝜃
4
𝛽
𝛼= ⇒ 𝛼 = 2𝜃
2
And so, the virtual work equation becomes:

𝑊𝑒𝑥 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛

(𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃) + ⏟
150(∆) + 0(𝛽) = ⏟ (𝑀𝑃 )(𝛼 + 𝜃)
𝑎𝑡 𝐴 𝑎𝑡 𝐷

150(2𝜃) + 0(4𝜃) = (𝑀𝑃 )(𝜃 + 𝜃 + 2𝜃)

540 𝜃 = 4 𝜃𝑀𝑃
540
𝑀𝑃 = = 135 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
4

So, by the application of the Upper bound theorem for the design plastic capacity,
we choose 𝑀𝑃 = 144 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 as the design moment and recognize Mechanism 1
to be the correct failure mechanism. We check this by the Uniqueness Theorem:

1- Equilibrium:

Using the BMD at collapse. Firstly, the collapse BMD from Mechanism 1 is:
150 kN 60 kN
A
144 kN.m B
C D
2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚

𝑅𝐵

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 ( ) − 0(4) − 150(2) + 144 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 = 𝑘𝑁

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Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐴 = 144 𝑘𝑁

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐷 = 𝑅𝐵 (2) = 132 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 < 144 (𝑀𝑃 )

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑅𝐵 (4) − 0(2) = 144 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝑀𝑃

𝑀𝐶 = 144 = 𝑀𝑃
𝑀𝐷 = 132
+
−
B. M. D.
𝑀𝑃=144

2- Mechanism:

From the proposed collapse mechanism it is apparent that the beam is a

mechanism. Also, since it is a propped cantilever and thus one degree
indeterminate, we require two plastic hinges for collapse, and these we have.
3- Yield:

From the collapse BMD it can be seen that nowhere is the design M P =144
kNm exceeded.

Thus by the Uniqueness Theorem we have the correct solution.

Lastly, we’ll examine why the Mechanism 2 collapse is not the correct
solution. Since the virtual work method provides an upper bound, then, by
the Uniqueness Theorem, it must not be the correct solution because it must
violate the yield condition.
Using the collapse Mechanism 2 to determine reactions, we can draw the
following BMD for collapse Mechanism 2:

20
 Plastic Analysis of Structures Dr. Abdulkhaliq A. Jaafer L4
MSc. Course Misan University

150 kN 60 kN
A
135 kN.m B
C D
2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚

𝑅𝐵

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 ( ) − 0(4) − 150(2) + 135 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐵 = 7.5 𝑘𝑁

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 ⇒ 𝑅𝐴 = 142.5 𝑘𝑁

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐷 = 𝑅𝐵 (2) = 135 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 135 (𝑀𝑃 )

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 = 𝑅𝐵 (4) − 0(2) = 150 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 > 𝑀𝑃

150
𝑀 𝑀𝑃
𝑀𝑃 = 135

+
−
B. M. D.
𝑀𝑃=135

From this it is apparent that Mechanism 2 is not the unique solution, and so the
design plastic moment capacity must be 144 kNm as implied previously from the
Upper bound Theorem.

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